New Delhi, August 14, 2026: Jammu & Kashmir’s rich folk-art tradition received another moment of national recognition as Padma Shri awardee Romalo Ram was honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the President of India at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The latest honour marks another significant milestone in Romalo Ram’s distinguished artistic journey. Already a recipient of the Padma Shri, he has earned national recognition for his lifelong contribution to traditional folk arts and his efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.
Another Prestigious Honour for a Folk-Art Maestro
Receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is a major achievement for Romalo Ram and adds another distinguished national honour to his artistic legacy.
His work reflects the depth and diversity of Jammu & Kashmir’s traditional performing arts, which have been passed down through generations. Through his dedication, performances and continued association with folk traditions, he has helped keep these cultural expressions alive and connected with wider audiences.
The award also highlights the importance of India’s traditional art forms at a time when preserving indigenous cultural practices has become increasingly significant.
Recognition for Jammu & Kashmir’s Cultural Heritage
Romalo Ram’s achievement is being celebrated as a matter of pride for Jammu & Kashmir. His recognition at the national level provides greater visibility to the region’s folk-art traditions and the artists who have dedicated their lives to preserving them.
The occasion also serves as an inspiration for young artists to explore, learn and carry forward the traditional art forms that form an important part of India’s cultural identity.
The presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat added further significance to the ceremony, which brought together prominent personalities and distinguished awardees from the country’s artistic and cultural landscape.
A Lifelong Journey Dedicated to Folk Arts
For Romalo Ram, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award represents more than another accolade. It is a recognition of years of dedication to traditional folk culture and artistic expression.
His journey demonstrates how sustained commitment to one’s cultural roots can earn recognition far beyond regional boundaries. Coming after the Padma Shri, this latest honour further strengthens his position among the celebrated cultural figures associated with Jammu & Kashmir.
His achievement is likely to encourage greater appreciation of the region’s folk traditions while motivating emerging artists to preserve the cultural practices inherited from previous generations.
A Proud Moment for Art Lovers
The honour has been welcomed as a proud moment for the artistic community of Jammu & Kashmir. Romalo Ram’s continued recognition at the national level reflects the enduring value of India’s folk traditions and the artists who work to protect them.
His latest achievement adds another memorable chapter to his artistic career and serves as a reminder that traditional art continues to have an important place in India’s cultural landscape.
With the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award now added to his list of honours, Romalo Ram’s journey stands as an inspiring example of dedication, cultural preservation and artistic excellence.
